Tag Archives: how to become a paintball pro

Professional sports are one of the most lucrative industries in the world today, and it seems that everybody wants in on the action. Due to its success, the industry has expanded to include non-traditional sports such as video gaming and arm wrestling. Competitive paintballing is another extreme sport that’s gained tons of exposure and popularity over the years, and paying leagues are starting to pop up in various places throughout the country. If you want to make a living entertaining yourself and others, here are some tips on how to make it as a paintball pro.

Make Up Your Mind, and Set Your Goals

Playing professional sports is a dream for many people, but the truth is that most won’t ever make it big. However, this fact should not keep you from enjoying what you love to do. Most professional athletes never expected to go to the pros. They simply stuck with their passion year after year, while brushing off every word of discouragement. This is how you should approach becoming a paintball pro as well. Set your goals, one step at a time, and do everything in your power to achieve them. Making it to the pros is both a matter of physical strength and mental strength. If you don’t have the will to see things through, you’ve already given up.

Practice like Your Life Depends on It

It’s true that some paintballers are just naturally good at the game, but consistent practice can transform any newbie into an expert player. Like with any other sport, you’re going to have to dedicate most of your free time to getting better. That means practicing drills over and over until the movements become natural to you.

Some of the fundamental techniques you’re going to have to master include: stationary shooting, running and gunning, snap shooting, and ducking for cover. Stationary shooting is basic target practice. The exercise builds your accuracy, precision, and timing. Running and gunning is something that all paintball pros can do very well. When you’re running around, you’re defenseless. Shooting and running is primarily a defensive maneuver, but it can also be used to ambush unsuspecting opponents. Snap shooting refers to popping out from behind cover to fire a few shots, then retreating to your safe spot. You’ll need to master both ducking for cover and snap shooting to be an effective player.

Get Into Great Physical Shape

Paintballing is a very physical activity. To keep up with the best of the best, you should train like a serious athlete. This means building stamina and strength using traditional methods. Running is the most effective way to enhance your cardiovascular health so that you don’t burn out during play. Weight training will give you the muscles to perform explosive movements and lug around all that heavy gear without tiring too quickly. Condition each day, and supplement your training with nutritious meals and lots of rest.

Enter Local and Amateur Competitions for Exposure

To become a paintball pro, you have to showcase your skills. The only real way to do so is to enter every competition you can. Only when you’ve caught the attention of pro recruiters, sponsors, and other industry big wigs will you have a shot at going pro.

Network with Other Players

During your competitions, get to know your teammates and even your opponents. They can provide you with some very valuable advice on the technicalities of paintball and how to get noticed. Having the right connections can exponentially boost your chances of becoming a paintball pro.